JSS2 NATIONAL VALUE FIRST TERM - A-VIBEBLOG
SCHEME OF WORK
1.Integrity
2.People of integrity in Nigeria
3.Contentment
4.Discipline
5.Respect for rules and regulations
6.Courage
7.Nigeria as a federation
8.Characteristics of a Federation
9.Government
10.Legislature
11.Judiciary
12.Revision
WEEK ONE: INTEGRITY
Meaning of Integrity: According to the Encarta Dictionary, the word integrity means the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards. That is the ability to stick to high moral principles in every situation.
Attributes of Integrity: these are
1. Probity
2. Contentment
3. Truthfulness
4. Fair-play
5. Non-compromise of principles.
Probity: Probity means absolute moral soundness. A man or woman of integrity has sound moral character that cannot be faulted.
Contentment: This is the feeling of being satisfied with one’s present possession. Integrity makes a person to be contented. A man of integrity is ever satisfied with what he can honestly acquire.
Truthfulness: This is the act of telling the truth always. A man of integrity tells the truth and stands by it and always ready to suffer for the truth.
Fair-Play: This is the habit of putting oneself in other people’s shoes when dealing or relating with them. A person of integrity likes fair-play and follows the golden rule of “do unto others, as you want others do unto you”
Non-Compromise of Principle: Men of integrity hardly compromise the attributes of integrity such as honesty, contentment and so on. That is they always stick to those qualities .
People of Integrity In Nigeria.
Nigeria has so many men and women of integrity among whom are the following :
1.Dr. Tai Solarin
2.Chief Emeka Anyaoku
3.Dr. Akiola Aguda
4.Prof. Dora Akunyili
5.Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti
6.Chief Gani Fawehinmi
7.Adams Oshiomole
8.Prof. Wole Soyinka
9.Gen. Muritala Ramat Mohammed
WEEK TWO: PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA
Some of the people of integrity in Nigeria earned their reputations in the following ways:
Prof Dora Akunyili: Professor Akunyili gained international recognition as an author of international standard. But more importantly, she became a notable person of integrity during her tenure as the Director General of NAFDAC (National Agency of Food Drugs Administration and Control). She fought tooth and nail against counterfeit drugs and unsafe food. She did all these at the expense of her personal safety.
Some of the numerous awards received by her are
1.Person of the year 2005 award
2.Integrity Award 2003 by Transparency International etc
Prof. Wole Soyinka is a renowned play-Wright. In 1986 he became the first black African to be awarded the Noble prize for Literature. Prof. Soyinka is a social critic. His works openly criticize the Nigerian government . He was imprisoned for two years on the charges that he aided the attempted secession of Biafra from Nigeria. He was however released in 1969.
Gen. Murtala Ramat Mohammed: he became Nigerian Head of State on July 29, 1975. He scraped the controversial 1973 census and reverted to the 1963 count for official purposes. He purged the civil service, judiciary, police force, diplomatic service, public corporations and some of their officials were brought to trial on charges of corruption.
Need For People of Integrity
Every society is in dare need of people of integrity for the following reasons:
1. Community development: Unless there are men of integrity, money meant for community development will be embezzled thereby retarding the growth of the community.
2. Peaceful co-existence: peaceful co-existence is the vital pillar of development in any society. Men and women of integrity will always make efforts to ensure peace in the society. We therefore need people of integrity to help ensure pace and harmony in the society.
3. Models for young ones: if our young ones are to be people of integrity they must have people to look up to in order to imbibe integrity. Thus those in position of authority such as teachers, principals, parents and politician must display integrity.
.4. To Boost our international Image: men and women of integrity are valuable human assets. When a country has men and women of sound character and proven integrity, her citizens would be highly respected in other countries.
5. Responsible Youths: if the society has many men and women of integrity our youth will naturally produce boys and girls of integrity.
6. To reduce Evil Practice: If atrocities like bribery and corruption must stop, then we need youth, men and women of integrity.
WEEK THREE: CONTENTMENT
Meaning of Contentment
Contentment is a feeling of satisfaction and happiness with whatever one has. Nobody can get all that he or she wants in life. This is because as one’s need is met, another one is created. To live a happy life therefore, one should be satisfied with what one can honestly acquire.
Attributes of Contentment: these are
1. Satisfaction
2. Lack of envy
3. Humility
4. Hatred for Greed
5. Abhorrence or hatred for corruption
1. Satisfaction : A person that is contented is always satisfied with what he can honestly acquire and so tries to live within his means.
2. Lack of Envy: A person that is contented envies nobody. Instead he works diligently to improve himself.
3. Humility: A person that is contented is always humble, he does not look down on others but treats them with dignity and respect
4. Hatred for Greed: A contented person hates greed. That is, he hates grab-it-all attitude in whatever he does.
5. Abhorrence or Hatred for Corruption: A contented person hates everything that is immoral and does not abuse his office for personal gains.
Effects of Lack of Contentment
Lack of contentment is the foundation of many problems in our society today. Among such problems are:
1.corruption
2.greed
3.envy
4.stealing
5.prostitution
6.robbery
7.cheating
i. Corruption: When people in a society lack contentment, corruption will be the order of the day.
ii. Greed: lack of contentment leads to greed. That is the attitude of accumulating wealth for future generations at the expense of others.
iii. Envy: Lack of contentment breeds envy . It in turn, leads to other anti-social behaviors such as assassination, etc.
iv. Stealing : A person that is not contented with what he can honestly acquire will definitely steal sooner or later.
v. Prostitution : Ladies and women who ‘sell’ their bodies for money, do so because of lack of contentment with what they have.
vi. Robbery: Some youths that are engaged in armed robbery today are suffering the consequences of lack of contentment. They hate to live simple life.
vii. Cheating: Cheating arises from lack of contentment and inability to work hard.
WEEK FOUR: DISCIPLINE
Meaning of Discipline
Discipline is the ability to train people to control their behaviour according to laid down principles, rules and regulations. It can also be defined as act of training body and mind to produce self control. This extends to obeying traffic rules and regulations, the constitution, our superior authorities, etc.
Features or Characteristics of Discipline
These are:
1.Dedication
2.Moderation
3.Modesty
4.Perseverance
5.Respect for legitimate authority.
1.Dedication: This is the habit of sticking to a set goal or plan. It also means no break of focus no matter how difficult the situation may be. The ability to stay dedicated to a given plan helps us to achieve greatness in life.
2.Moderation : This means avoiding excesses. Anybody of discipline is always a moderate person. He does not over do anything. That is, he knows where and when to stop in all circumstances.
3.Perseverance : Is the ability to continue to do a thing or pursue a goal despite difficulties, pains and discouragement until the desired results is achieved. A disciplined person always perseveres without minding pains or difficulties.
4.Respect for legitimate (rightful) authority. A disciplined person is always a respecter of the laws of the land. He respects and obeys the constitution of his country and respects all the people occupying position of authority .
5.Modesty: This attribute of discipline enables a disciplined person to be humble. He does not boast of his achievement, status or position in life.
Importance of Discipline In a Society
1.Encouragement of Peace: When rules and regulations are obeyed in the society peace will reign
2.It fosters or encourages unity: It makes people to work together in unity
3.Fosters economic and political development. With discipline every one in the society tries to engage in one activity or the other in order to earn a living in a rightful way i.e all employable persons try to contribute to national income and economic growth.
4.It fosters political stability: this is done in the area if free and fair election, obedience to legitimate government and political stability of the country.
5.It fosters good health for individual and the society. If we are in our regular physical exercise our health will improve to the benefits of the society.
6.It saves time: In our highways, the time the nation wastes due to traffic congestions could be avoided if every driver exercises patience and discipline.
WEEK FIVE: RESPECT FOR RULES AND REGULATION
Rules and regulations are guidelines that members of the society follow which enables peace and harmony in the society. They also serve as a conduct which guide our daily affairs to live peacefully in the society. It also means an authoritative statement of what to do and not to do in a specific situation issued by an appropriate person or organization.
IMPORTANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rules are important in our daily activities. However, it seems that people don’t like rules as they represent a kind of restrictions. People will always need rules to be able to live and deal together. Everything in our lives should be restricted with rules or it becomes a mess and unfair. If there are no rules, everyone is free to do whatever they want. We need rules to help us get along together and show respect to each other.
In an academic setting, rules may encompass behavior on campus, policies on tardiness and personal appearance. The following are few importance of rules in schools:
1.It is for personal safety.
2.It is for peer consideration.
3.It is for discipline.
4.Respect for authority.
5.Peaceful co-existence.
WEEK SIX: COURAGE
Courage can be defined simply as the ability to face danger with boldness.
Types of Courage
There are three main types of courage:
1.Physical courage
2.Moral courage and
3.Spiritual courage
Physical Courage: This is the ability to physically face a dangerous situation. An example is a girl who got up prepared to kill a snake.
Moral Courage: This is this displayed when one feels that it will be morally wrong not to face the danger or pains associated with a crime. An example is a child who decided to confess he stole his mother’s pen.
Spiritual Courage: This arises when someone is ready to face danger on account of religious matter. For example. A Prophet is sent by God to warn a king of the consequences of his bad policies . He needs spiritual courage to be able to carry out the assignment.
Attributes or Features of Courage
These are:
1. Boldness 2. Bravery 3. Commitment 4. Endurance 5. Determination 6. Diligence
1. Boldness : is the ability to speak out in the face of evil or injustice.
2. Bravery: is the preparedness to face danger for a purpose. For example a soldier that goes to war to save his country.
3. Commitment: This is a feeling of responsibility in a given situation. For example, a parent’s duty to his children at school.
4. Endurance: Is the ability to go through or bear pains and difficulties.
5. Determination: is the readiness to face a given task or assignment not minding the difficulties and pains involved.
6. Diligence: this is the desire or habit of hard work.
Characteristics of Courageous People:
These are
1. Boldness : Every courageous person is always bold.
2. Bravery: A courageous person displays bravery in an unusual circumstances
3. Commitment : Every courageous person feels a sense of commitment to a goal or given course despite all odds.
4. Endurance: By character, every courageous person has an enduring spirit.
5. Determination: This quality of not giving up despite pains and problems, helps a courageous person to accomplish his goal
6. Diligence : Every person that is courageous is diligent, that is he/she is hard working.
WEEK SEVEN: NIGERIA AS A FEDERATION
Meaning of Federation
Federation is a system of government in which there is a constitutional division of powers between the central government and other component units forming the union or federation that is division of powers between the federal government and the states within the country. It is also called a federal system of government or a federation.
Examples of Countries Practicing Federal System of Government.
They include:
1. Australia 2. Nigeria 3. United States of America 4. Switzerland 5. Canada etc
Meaning of Exclusive Residual List
Exclusive List: This is a list of items or topics or activities on which only the federal government has powers to make laws on. On anything on the exclusive list, no state or local government has any say.
The items include:
1.the Army
2.Immigration
3.Emigration
4.Foreign Affairs
5.Currency Matters
6.Internal Affairs
7.Defense
Residual List: This is a list of all activities or topics or items which only the state government has powers to make laws on. They include
1. Chieftaincy matters 2. Markets etc.
Concurrent List: This is a list of items or topics or activities, areas in which both the state and federal government can participate . Items on this list include:
i. Health ii. Education iii. Agriculture iv. Road
Need for Federation
There are reasons Nigeria has need for a federation or federal system of government. These are
1.National Integration: A federal government supervising the federating units (i.e States) will help us in national integration , that is, national unity.
2.Even Development : The federal system of government will enable the states and local governments to develop evenly, that is side by side with others.
3.Geographical Sizes: Given the geographically large Nigeria, it is the federal system of government that will make the administration of the federal, states and local government easy.
4.Economic Factor or Reason: The need to pool our resources together to form a stronger financial body or a richer country.
5.Minorities Interest: It is the federal system that ensures that the minority tribes or ethnic groups are not over-looked or ignored in the development of the nation.
WEEK EIGHT: CHARACTERISTICS OF A FEDERATION
1. Division of Powers: There is a constitutional division of powers between the federal, state and local government.
2. Supremacy of the Constitution: In any federation the highest or supreme power lies with the constitution.
3. Written and Rigid Constitution: To avoid the problem of manipulation and marginalization of a given unit, the federal constitution is always written and rigid.
4. Existence of Bi-Cameral Legislature: The law making body at the federal level in a federal system must be bi-cameral (i.e two) . In Nigeria they are the House of Senate and House of Representatives.
5. Existence of the Supreme Court: There must exist a supreme court which is the highest court of justice in the country. In Nigeria, the decision or ruling of the supreme court is the final in any legal matter.
Relationship Between Federal, State and Local Governments.
1. Federal Government: Is the central government. It is in charge of defense, police, army, foreign affairs, currency matters etc.. It supervises the states and local governments.
2. State Government : the state governors are the heads of state governments. A State Governor oversees the State Council of Chiefs, State Civil Service Commission etc. The State Executive Council is headed by the governor and is responsible for smooth running of the state.
3. Local Government: is the third tier or third level of government in the country. It is headed by the local government chairman. The laws made by the local government are called bye-laws.
These are the major differences in their functions:
1. The Federal Government initiates and implements i.e carries out policies for the whole country. However, the states and local government have their own areas of authority.
2. The federal government has the power to control the states and local government but the states and local governments cannot control the federal government.
3. The federal, states and local governments receive money from the federation account and this money is called allocation.
4. The Federal Executive Council is headed by the President. It is made up of the past heads of states, state governor and ministers.
5. The Federal Government has two legislative houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives.
6. The States and local government have uni-cameral legislature each (i.e only one law-making house or office.)
WEEK NINE: GOVERNMENT
The word government has two main definitions:-
i. It is the act of ruling and directing the affairs of people in a society or a nation for all-round peaceful co-existences and development or
ii. It is a group of people or body of persons that are given the authority to rule, protect and direct the affairs of the society or a nation
Arms of Government
These are the organs of government namely:-
i. The Legislatures
ii. The Executive and
iii. The Judiciary
The Executive carries out government laws and decisions. In essence, they executes any bill passed into law for the advancement of the society. At the federal level, the executive arm is headed by the President. At state level, the executive arm is headed by the governor of each state. While the local government chairman is the chief executive officer of each local government.
Functions of the Executive
1.Appointment and removal of cabinet members.
2.It prepares annual budgets and implements it.
3.The president or governor has the power to issue pardon for offences against the state. This is called prerogative of mercy.
4.It implements laws made by the legislature.
Mention the functions of the executive.
Symbols of Office
The symbols of office are the vital instruments that identify the above offices. They are respectively symbolized with
i. The national flag
ii The coat of arms
WEEK TEN: LEGISLATURE
The legislature, as we already know, is the arm of government that has the constitutional duty of making laws for the country.
There are two types of legislature:
i. The Bi-cameral and
ii. The Unicameral legislature.
Meaning of Bi-Cameral Legislature
This is the type of legislature that has two legislative (i.e. law-making) houses or office. Nigeria has a bicameral legislature made up of:
a. House of Senate (or upper house)
b House of Representatives (the lower house)
These two houses are called the National Assembly. The House of Senate has 109 members (i.e. 3 for each state and one for Abuja).i e. (36 x 3) + 1 = 109
The House of Representatives has 360 members. Each state is represented according to its population.
Unicameral Legislature
This is the type of legislature (law-making body) with only one legislative house.
In Nigeria, the states and local governments have each one legislative house. This means that every state government or local government in Nigeria has a unicameral legislature.
Note that each state’s legislature is referred to as House of Assembly and is headed by the Speaker.
Outline Powers of the Legislature
These are
1. To make laws.
2. To approve budget.
3. To make and amend the constitution.
4. To ratify (i.e. approves) appointment of public officials.
5. It has powers to impeach the President if necessary. Also, at state level, it can impeach the governor if the need arises.
6. Investigative functions: -i.e. the power to probe past and present public officials.
7. Approval of treaties (i.e. agreements) made by the executive with other countries.
8. Control of administration of government agencies.
WEEK ELEVEN: THE JUDICIARY
As already explained, the judiciary is the arm or organ of government which interprets laws made by the legislature.
Functions and Powers of the Judiciary
1. It interprets and explains the laws thus resolving electoral disputes and ensuring harmony in the society.
2. Through the courts, it settles disputes between spouses, business partners, employees and employers etc.
3. It interprets the constitution and protects it from being violated by any person or institution.
4. It offers advice on constitutional preparation and amendment.
5. It has powers to determine whether the executive or legislature has acted beyond its powers given by the constitution.
6. Through the restraining orders (i.e. stop orders) issued by courts the judiciary prevents people from acting against the law.
Symbols of Office
The Judiciary symbols of authority include:
1. The wig and
2. The gown.
